H-2: Gleaming, polished stainless steel frames quarter-sawn white oak veneer shelves in a handsome, sturdy but airy etagere. The Caffrey bookcase from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Home channels the spirit of 1970s California modern. It measures 32 inches wide by 14 inches deep, stands 73 3 / 4inches tall and retails for $1,620. Credit: Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Home

H-3: A circular frame around conventional shelving creates an arresting focal point. The Bulls Eye bookcase from cFc, which is made from stainless steel, has shelves 13 inches deep, is 63 1 / 2inches in diameter and sells for $3,875. Credit: cFc

H-4: Ladder-like shelving in white quarter-sawn oak is punctuated by squared metal-tube frames in powder-coated carbon, an attractive high contrast. Each wall-mounted Helix shelving unit is 30 inches wide by 20 inches deep and 70 inches tall and sells for $199 at CB2. A desk option also is available for $249. Credit: CB2

H-5: Sloping shelves are contained like a picture frame in a handsome bookshelf called Lines, designed by Peter Maly, from Ligne Roset, handsome in matte black. Indirect lighting is an option to light the 1-inch thick shelves. The piece, also available in white, sells for $4,345. Credit: Ligne Roset

H-6: Designed by Stefano Giovannoni in 2004 and made in Italy by Magis, the curvy Boogie Woogie shelving system is designed for stacking and adjoining. Sold in sets of two units, the system can be configured to your desires. Shown in glossy red (also available in black and white), it sells for $589 for a set of two at www.yliving.com. Credit: YLiving

H-7: Curves and fretwork dress this narrow etagere- like bookcase from the HB Home Collection of Kindel Furniture. Five fixed shelves are decorated with blind fretwork, which also covers the entire frame and is accented in a contrasting paint color, here shown in custom citron (No. 30) and white (No. 70). The Baby Babette is 18 inches wide by 13 inches deep, stands 88 inches tall and sells for $4,800. A 42-inch wide option (Babette) also is available. Credit: HB Home/Kindel Furniture Company

H-8: What’s amazing about this bookshelf is its flexibility — literally. The Bookworm, designed by Ron Arad from manufacturer Kartell, can be wound more tightly in a spiral shape as shown, or undulate across a wall — it’s up to you to weigh in on the creation. Extrusion technology makes it possible. Made from batch-dyed flame retardant PVC, the 126-inch-long version with seven bookends sells for $455 at www.yliving.com. Credit: YLiving

H-9: Even small-scale shelving is being re-thought. Here, a whimsical riff on the urban landscape, this clever design holds supplies, plants, artwork, magazines or books on three landings. Made of sturdy epoxy-coated steel, it measures 12 inches long, 3 3 / 4inches wide and 25 1 / 2 inches tall and sells for $98 at Chiasso. Credit: Chiasso

EXT—1: A handsome curved architectural pediment lends a strong focal point to an entertainment center from the American Treasures collection of Habersham. The Nassau Home Theater blends classical lines with modern influences, mixing up its shelving in a graphic, modern way that relieves the monotony of straight-across shelves. As with all designs in the collection, the piece is completely customizable, so sizes and finish options can be specified. Credit: Habersham

EXT—2: Walnut veneer adds richness to this streamlined design by Eric Jourdan for Ligne Roset. The shelves for the Dino bookcase, shown in white, wrap around the rear and the sides. It sells for $3,930. Credit: Ligne Roset

EXT—3: Cutouts between each cube of the Cedric etagere at Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams lend a dash of style to the minimalistic design. The 24-inch wide, 70-inch tall piece, which is finished in a shade called brawn, is made of ash veneers and parawood solids, and it’s lightly distressed to help hide the wear of daily use. Shown as a pair, the etageres add weight without becoming weighty. Credit: Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

EXT—4: Many of the bookcases designed for Noir are inspired by finds in flea markets, little shops in L.A. and other travels. This one called Roosevelt is crafted from mahogany with a hand-rubbed black finish on the exterior (natural inside). It’s architectural, with a stepped profile and a top reminiscent of a pagoda. It measures 36 inches wide by 17 1 / 2inches deep and stands 85 1 / 2inches tall. Credit: Noir

EXT—5: Shelves may be used to add architecture as well as color to a space. Here, a pair of stackable shelves called Tricolore, designed by Hertel and Klarhoefer for Ligne Roset, flank a doorway. Credit: Ligne Roset

EXT—6: Closed cabinets, a long console that hugs the floor and holds a flat-screen TV, and open shelving that float above are part of a system called Mixte designed by Mauro Lipparini for Ligne Roset. Prices start at $6,375. Credit: Ligne Roset

COPYRIGHT 2013 UNIVERSAL UCLICK

1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500